Sandweiler mayor to retire

Sandweiler's mayor has announced he will not stand in this year's communal elections, citing “malicious” behaviour from colleagues.

14.03.2012

(JB) Sandweiler's mayor has announced he will not stand in this year's communal elections, citing “malicious” behaviour from colleagues.

Charles Unsen's departure follows criticism from coalition party Déi gréng (the Greens) which accused him of abusing his position to purchase land at a highly favourable price.

According to the political party, last November Mr Unsen purchased nine acres of land on the outskirts of Sandweiler at a favourable rate of 16,500 euros per acre.

Just over a week beforehand, the commune of Sandweiler had purchased a three acre plot adjacent to the site for 70,000 euros per acre.

Déi gréng party, which is in coalition with Mr Unsen's LSAP party said in a statement released on Friday: “We simply cannot justify the significant price difference since both sites have similar qualities,” before adding: “Déi gréng explicitly disapproves of the actions of Mr Unsen.”

The commune raised issues over the pricing of land citing the housing covenant, which allows all communes to have the right of first refusal on a plot of land. The commune says it was never given the option to purchase the nine acres, which were later bought by Mr Unsen.

Mr Unsen has denied any charges of wrongdoing, saying that he leaves his post with head held high. He lambasted the “malicious” attitude of certain colleagues, saying three individuals had profited from his absence at the beginning of August to oust him from the list of electoral candidates.

He said: “As to the accusations, I have nothing to reproach myself for...I have taken this decision in the interest of protecting my family and the party.”